In the Match of the Round for Round 13 of PlayStation® 4 NPL Northern NSW the Lambton Jaffas host Hamilton Olympic in yet another crucial top four clash.
Lambton Jaffas FC vs. Hamilton Olympic FC
Sat 11 July 2:30 PM
Arthur Edden Oval
#JAFvOLY
The 2014 Grand Final winners Lambton sit in third place on 24 points, following seven wins, three draws and just two losses.
They enter the final third of the competition on the back of five straight wins, crucial form going into a match with a team as successful as Olympic have been this year.
The side in blue and white occupied the top spot for a number of weeks, only to lose it last weekend in their first loss of the year, going down 3-1 to Edgeworth. Alongside seven wins and four draws Hamilton are a place and a point ahead of the Jaffas on 25, trailing Edgeworth by two.
Hamilton will be searching for an improved performance after a flat Round 12 match against the Eagles, whereas Lambton will be looking to tighten up in their defence after conceding three in one half against Weston, so this match will have a more competitive edge to it than usual.
As usual the Match of the Round will be broadcast live on Bar TV, however the best spot to view the action come Saturday will be on the hill or in the grandstand at Arthur Edden Oval, as two of the seasons biggest sides go head to head.
Weston Workers FC vs. Newcastle Jets Youth
Sat 11 July 2:30 PM
Rockwell Automation Park
#WWBvNEW
The second of two Saturday PS4 NPL matches this weekend will see the Weston Workers welcome the Jets Youth to Rockwell Automation Park as they look to put a horror Round 12 performance behind them.
The Bears went out all guns blazing against the Jaffas last Saturday, as first half goals to Garry McDermott, Wilson Edwards and Nathan Morris were cancelled out be a second half double to Jobe Wheelhouse which was split by a Luke Remington strike. The Jaffas completed their comeback as John Majurovski scored in the dying moments of the game.
It was just the fourth loss for the Bears this year, and combined with seven wins and a sole draw they are fourth on 22 points.
The Jets won their first game in seven matches last weekend, beating South Cardiff 2-1, the score which they led by at half time.
These two clubs share a strong rivalry, with two thrilling matches being contested in 2014. In Round 7 the Bears were thumped 5-2 at home by the Youth side; their sole home PS4 NPL loss in over a year.
The atmosphere at the ground is always intense, and this weekend will be no different as one of the strongest sides in the PS4 NPL go head to head with some of the finest youth in the region.
South Cardiff FC vs. Charlestown City Blues FC
Sun 12 July 2:30 PM
Ulinga Oval
#SCGvCCB
Whilst Saturday’s match between Lambton and Olympic is the Match of the Round, most eyes will be fixed on Sunday’s encounter which sees South Cardiff host Charlestown at Ulinga Oval.
The Gunners are currently sitting in last position on the PS4 NPL ladder on five points, following just one win, two draws and nine losses this season. The Blues are just one place ahead of the Gunners on nine points, after three wins and nine losses in 2015.
As the competition’s final third begins this weekend this match becomes a must-win for both of these two struggling sides, and will shape the relegation battle with five matches remaining following Sunday’s full time whistle.
Both sides will know the importance of three points in this match, which sets up a highly anticipated affair. The two teams will both give their all for a win, so plenty of goals can be expected from the match, as well as a real competitive atmosphere.
Maitland FC vs. Edgeworth FC
Sun 12 July 2:30 PM
Cook Square Park
#MFCvEFC
The second of two Sunday afternoon matches in Round 13 will see league leaders Edgeworth travel to Cook Square Park, looking to maintain their top spot.
They moved into number one last weekend, inflicting Hamilton with their first loss of the season. It was the Eagles ninth win, and alongside three losses they are on 27 points.
Maitland lost their eighth match of the year last weekend remaining in eighth position following their three wins and a draw.
Since their 1-0 loss away to Weston in early June Edgeworth have not been beaten, instead defeating all before them. They have qualified for the FFA Cup Round of 32, and shot to the top of the ladder.
Their goals for 2015 were to qualify for the Round of 32 and the PS4 NPL Finals. Both sides play quality attacking football, moving the ball forward quick in transition, so this match should be a fast paced, exciting match up between two sides full of talented young players.
Adamstown Rosebud FC vs. Broadmeadow Magic FC
Sun 12 July 2:30 PM
Adamstown Oval
#BUDvMGC
The final match of Round 13 of the PS4 Northern New South Wales National Premier League is the local derby between the Adamstown Rosebud and Broadmeadow Magic.
The Buds’ 2015 resurgence came to a disappointing stop last weekend as a twelfth minute Scott Smith goal saw Charlestown defeat them 1-0.
Magic edged closer to the top four last weekend following a 3-0 defeat of Maitland. They are now just two behind Weston, but trail leaders Edgeworth by seven.
These two sides have everything to play for this weekend. Broadmeadow have the chance to go into the top four, whilst the Rosebud have the chance to move even closer to the finals positions.
Those present at the match can expect a hard fought match between two sides that play extremely attractive football, who will both feel as though they deserve to be sitting higher up the table this season, and who will use this weekend’s match to prove that.
Click here for a full preview of all the Round 13 matches.